Author: Alex Chua
Yes, the rumour is true. While we were just about to walk into Rumours Bar & Grill at Jewel Changi Airport last Tuesday evening, Singapore’s PM Lee and his entourage just passed us by. Wonder where he dined at? Rumours? Lauded as an awesome hangout spot for families and friends, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is true.
If you’re familiar with its first Holland Village outlet, this award-winning Bali casual dining restaurant packs the same lively vibe, same awesome food plus more open space. I always love the idea of al fresco dining to soak in the sunlight minus the heat, and its location at the top floor of Jewel just ticks that box.
Okai, the store front is great and I got a lucky encounter with PM Lee, so how about the food? Let’s start with the proteins. Rumours is one of the few places in Singapore that serves the premium A5 Grade Kumamoto Wagyu Tenderloin ($87.80/ 200g). Their signature dish, this marvellous beef cut is moist, very tender and yet so flavourful. Coupled with Rumours’ specialty indulgent drinks, it would be the perfect dish to warm the hearts of the chatterers.
We’ve got the Deep-Fried Chicken Wings ($8.80) and Calamari ($8.80) to share. The 6 mouth-watering chicken wings accompanied with spicy mayonnaise is a definite value-for-money dish for drinkers who just need something to munch into.
The deep-fried squid, with its golden-brown and crispy exterior, isn’t that oily or chewy kind which I hate. They are pleasant to bite into without feeling oily and offensive to the tongue. For me the chicken and the calamari is a definite must-have if I ordered drinks here.
Next is the Rumours Classic Cheeseburger ($16.80). Made up of sizzling beef patty, stretchy cheese and fresh greens, piled with loads of fat chips. The patty is rather soft yet thick and juicy, coupled with a rich drizzle of melted cheese, making it a sumptuous joy to munch into it.
The Australian Baby Lamb Chops with Garlic Confit ($45.80) packs that meaty, flavourful punch, thankfully not overly seasoned but savoury with a tender bite. These are just that kind of high-quality proteins that I like, especially after a hard day’s work.
Coming to Rumours’ signature range of tropical cocktails we had the aptly named Two Boyfriends ($18). This revitalising gin-based cocktail is infused with fruity notes of plum and apple, with a shot of Baileys on top. Why this name you say – its because you need to drink from 2 straws at one go.
If you’re the kind that enjoys performances, then the Blowing Smoke ($18) should satiate your theatrical thirst. When the jar is lifted, a cloud of white smoke billows, perfuming the air with hickory smoky fragrance and unveil the rum-based cocktail. I enjoy the light hint of elderflower and its natural sweet cinnamon scent when drinking.
Now coming to the almost obscene drink (depending on your state of mind). The Come Inside Me ($18) is a smoky whisky based ice-blend, which you use the syringe filled with smooth, creamy Baileys and shoot it straight into the cup (beware of spilling all over!). An alternative way to drink this is to first shoot it into your mouth and then drink the cup. Pure satisfaction guaranteed.
If you need an uplifting vibe, deliciously rich food and refreshing drinks, then Rumours is for you!
Rumours Bar & Grill @ Jewel Changi Airport
Operating hours: Daily 10am – 3pm
